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and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in February 2023. She attended Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with minors in public relations and creative writing. She enjoys making and listening to music, reading, and spending time with her cats, Astrid and Marceline.

Articles

Catch up on coverage from the second day of the 2025 SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference held in Washington, DC.

Day 2 Recap: SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference 2025

Subcutaneous spesolimab maintained durable GPP control for 12 months after rapid clearance from IV spesolimab in a high-risk elderly patient.

Long-Term Control of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Achieved With Subcutaneous Spesolimab Following Severe Flare

Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, outlines a stepwise approach to treating chronic hand eczema, from vehicle selection to systemic therapies and future innovations.

Taking a Stepwise Approach to Managing Chronic Hand Eczema

Orit Markowitz, MD, shares how her color wheel method boosts diagnostic clarity in dermoscopy by simplifying how clinicians assess benign lesions.

Orit Markowitz, MD, Explains How a Color Wheel Approach Can Sharpen Dermoscopic Decision-Making

Dermatology Times connects dermatology professionals with key skin disorder coverage, therapeutic strategies, clinical trial updates, and expert insights.

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Janelle Ball of BC Educators offers actionable tips to boost prior authorization success and improve patient support in dermatology practices.

Overcoming Prior Authorizations: Janelle Ball Shares Strategies for Streamlining Dermatology Workflows

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Comparative Studies in AD

Panelists offer concluding insights and emphasize the critical role of comparative studies in advancing atopic dermatitis treatment strategies.

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Video Series

Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, speaks with Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, on innovative teledermatology initiatives in Washington, DC, addressing health care disparities and enhancing community access.

Derm Dispatch: Creating Equitable Access in Underserved Communities Through Teledermatology 

, Renata Block, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, sat down with Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, to discuss his pioneering teledermatology initiative targeting underserved communities in Washington, DC. Friedman, professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University (GW), described how the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the rapid adoption of telemedicine and revealed glaring disparities in access, particularly in DC Wards 7 and 8, which historically suffer from health care deficits.

Observing that only 1% of more than 1500 telemedicine patients were from these areas, despite their large representation in GW’s typical patient population, Friedman secured a Pfizer Quality Improvement Grant to address the gap. The project, in partnership with the Rodham Institute and local clergy, launched community-based teledermatology clinics in churches to enhance trust, education, and access.

“I think that's a big part of the bigger picture...it's about observing, it's about asking questions, it's about doing something, and then, of course, the timing of it all...this grant came about, and it was a perfect marriage of sorts,” Friedman said.

The model has since evolved from simple telehealth visits to comprehensive health fairs offering disease-specific education, comorbidity screening, and onsite support from trained navigators and medical students. Conditions such as atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and psoriasis have been key focus areas, with educational materials provided in collaboration with large-scale organizations, including the National Psoriasis Foundation and National Eczema Association. Initial patient interaction culminates in a structured teledermatology visit and participation in clinical surveys and research.

Friedman emphasized the importance of adaptability, community partnerships, and sustainability when evolving this model. Infrastructure challenges included coordinating space and staffing, but leveraging strong relationships with GW’s development team and other academic institutions enabled continued growth. Educational benefits also extend to residents and students, who gain hands-on experience with telemedicine and diverse skin presentations.

With philanthropic support from Pfizer Inc, Eli Lilly and Company, and Johnson & Johnson, Friedman has successfully continued the model with a focus on multiple conditions, aiming to expand to other cities soon. For those interested in launching similar programs, Friedman underscores the need for long-term planning, fundraising strategies, and authentic community engagement from the outset. This unique initiative offers a scalable, patient-centered framework that blends innovation, outreach, and education to reduce dermatologic care disparities and foster sustained community trust.

“I think it's very easy to get overwhelmed with the enormity of how many patients need our help, but just even getting their foot into the door or getting things started and maybe lessening the burden by intervening early...having a validation of sorts with the community that we're not just showing up thinking, ‘We're superheroes, we're going fix the problem,’ but rather, we're here for the long haul,” Friedman said.

Renata Block interviewed Adam Friedman about his teledermatology initiative for underserved communities in Washington, DC. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in healthcare access, prompting Friedman to secure a Pfizer grant to address these issues. The initiative, in collaboration with the Rodham Institute and local clergy, established community-based teledermatology clinics in churches. The model evolved to include health fairs, disease-specific education, and comorbidity screening. With support from pharmaceutical companies, the initiative aims to expand to other cities, emphasizing long-term planning, community engagement, and sustainability.

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) remains one of the most prevalent and challenging dermatologic conditions, given its multifactorial etiology and significant impact on patients' quality of life. In recent advances, a shift toward more flexible, patient-focused management strategies is gaining traction, emphasizing early targeted treatments and sensible use of diagnostics.

A recent graduate-level review by Sophia A. Mense, Sawyeh Maher, and Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI, FAAD, provides a comprehensive framework for clinicians navigating this complex condition amid evolving therapeutic options.

Chovatiya, clinical associate professor at the Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School, founder and director of the Center for Medical Dermatology and Immunology Research in Chicago, Illinois, and a 

 Editorial Advisory Board member, spoke about the recent findings.

“CHE may seem like unfamiliar territory to some of us, given that much of the early work in this disease state focused on its occupational burden outside the United States, but a steady stream of research over the past decade has highlighted just how common and impairing this condition truly is,” he said. “In our work, we sought to critically examine available data and pose a practical approach to CHE that emphasizes clinical judgment and common sense to better help our patients.”

Drawing on insights from this review, we explore 5 principles that can help clinicians optimize care for CHE in real-world settings.

Understanding the Multifaceted Complexity of CHE

CHE is a complex interplay of subtypes, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), irritant contact dermatitis, and atopic hand eczema.

 These subtypes often coexist within the same patient, leading to a challenging diagnostic landscape. Standard treatments, such as topical therapies, often fall short when underlying triggers or allergens are not identified or addressed. This complexity underscores the importance of a nuanced, patient-centered approach.

“CHE is a multifactorial, heterogeneous inflammatory disease that affects primarily the hands and wrists and consists of multiple overlapping morphologic and etiologic subtypes. This complex clinical and pathogenic picture necessitates a streamlined and up-to-date approach to disease diagnosis and management, especially with new and emerging therapies like delgocitinib cream,” Chovatiya added.

Traditionally, universal patch testing has been regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing ACD. However, the review highlights its limitations, including issues such as allergen availability, patient discomfort, and the time required for results, which can sometimes delay treatment. Although patch testing can uncover hidden allergens and guide avoidance strategies, routine patch testing for patients with CHE may not always be feasible or beneficial.

Instead, the authors advocate for a targeted, patient-centered approach. They recommend considering patch testing in cases with clear exposure histories, such as occupational contact with metals, fragrances, or chemicals, or in refractory cases unresponsive to standard therapies. A tailored approach ensures that testing adds value and improves outcomes without delaying effective treatment.

Prioritizing Early and Aggressive Therapies

One of the most significant advances in disease management is the development of targeted therapies like delgocitinib (LEO Pharma), a topical Janus kinase inhibitor. These emerging treatments can directly address the cytokine-mediated pathways involved in CHE’s immunopathogenesis, providing rapid and effective symptom relief. Initiating these therapies promptly can significantly mitigate inflammation, reduce chronicity, and improve patient outcomes, balancing safety and efficacy. According to the authors, this approach also ensures that patients are not left untreated while waiting for patch test outcomes, which is a critical consideration for real-world practice.

Balancing Diagnostic Thoroughness and Practicality

Although diagnostic tools like patch testing are essential, they should not compromise timely patient care. Providers should use clinical judgment to weigh the benefits of allergen identification against the urgency of symptom control. The authors encourage dermatologists to initiate prompt treatment based on the severity and suspected etiology and then reassess response over time. In many cases, the immediate use of newer therapies and management can provide relief and prevent disease progression. If symptoms worsen, however, patch testing can then be used to refine treatment. With this flexible and pragmatic approach, clinicians can prevent treatment delays and minimize patient frustration.

Implementing a Patient-Centered Management Plan

Finally, effective CHE management relies on adopting a personalized approach involving patient education about potential triggers, skin care routines, and lifestyle modifications. The authors emphasize an individualized and comprehensive plan, considering patient preferences, occupational exposures, and disease severity. Additionally, recognizing socioeconomic and real-world barriers, such as access to testing or allergen avoidance, further emphasizes the importance of personalized strategies. Tailoring therapy and setting realistic expectations not only improves adherence but also empowers patients to participate actively in their care.

1. Mense SA, Maher S, Chovatiya R. A practical approach to chronic hand eczema. 

. 2025;15(7):1953-1971. doi:10.1007/s13555-025-01433-y

2. Zappia E, Macagno N, Quaglino P, Roccuzzo G, Ribero S. Hand eczema: a review of clinical, dermoscopic and histological features. 

 2024;159(5):521-529. doi:10.23736/S2784-8671.24.07879-4

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a prevalent dermatologic condition with a complex etiology, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Recent management strategies emphasize patient-focused care, early targeted treatments, and practical diagnostics. CHE involves subtypes like allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and atopic hand eczema, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Emerging therapies, such as delgocitinib, offer promising results. A patient-centered approach, including tailored patch testing and personalized management plans, is crucial for optimizing care and improving outcomes, considering both clinical judgment and patient preferences.

Explore innovative strategies for managing chronic hand eczema, focusing on personalized care, early treatment, and understanding complex subtypes for better outcomes.

Optimizing CHE Care: Evolving Strategies for Diagnosis and Management

This week, Galderma announced the initiation of 2 new clinical trials for nemolizumab (Nemluvio), which will be evaluated for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO).

Nemolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the IL-31 receptor alpha, inhibiting the signaling of IL-31, a neuroimmune cytokine that plays a key role in symptoms like itch, inflammation, and fibrosis in these conditions. It is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis.

“Investigating nemolizumab in 2 new trials in systemic sclerosis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin, both of which are associated with poor patient outcomes and low quality of life, underscores our commitment to addressing skin conditions with high unmet needs. These trials may help us better understand these complex diseases and offer hope for patients seeking relief from these severe and potentially life-threatening conditions,” Baldo Scassellati Sforzolini, MD, PhD, global head of research and development at Galderma, said in a statement.

SSc is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and hardening of the skin and internal organs. It most commonly affects women between 30 and 50 years old. Patients have a much lower quality of life and a much higher risk of death. SSc currently has no therapies approved by the FDA, but therapies such as nintedanib and tocilizumab can address specific symptoms.

The phase 2 proof-of-concept study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nemolizumab in adult patients with SSc. Patient enrollment begins later this year and will be completed in 2028, involving sites in several countries across North America, Europe, and South America.

A steering committee of several dermatology experts have designed the trial, including lead investigator Oliver Distler, MD, from Zürich, Switzerland; Dinesh Khanna, MD, director of the Scleroderma Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor; Robert Spiera, MD, director of the Scleroderma, Vasculitis, and Myositis Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, New York; and Johann Gudjonsson, MD, PhD, dermatologist at the University of Michigan Hospital.

“Systemic sclerosis can have a profound impact on both the quality and length of a person’s life. It causes the skin to harden, damages blood vessels, leads to joint pain, and can result in serious fibrosis in multiple internal organs—sometimes with life-threatening consequences. With no currently approved treatments that are indicated to treat the several symptoms this autoimmune disease presents, I look forward to investigating the role that nemolizumab could potentially play in this condition,” Distler said in a statement.

CPUO, which mostly affects older patients, is categorized by itch lasting for more than 6 weeks with no probable cause. The debilitating pain can have severe impacts on mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. This condition also does not have any FDA-approved treatments.

The phase 2 CPUO trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept study that will further explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nemolizumab in adult patients. Patient enrollment in the US begins later this year and will be completed in 2026.

Several experts in the field have collaborated on this research, including Sarina Elmariah, MD, PhD, MPH, associate professor and dermatology director at the University of California San Francisco Center for Itch and Neurosensory Disorders, and Shawn Kwatra, MD, PhD, Joseph W. Burnett Endowed Professor and Chair in Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“It is challenging to treat chronic pruritus of unknown origin, as physicians have limited therapeutic options specifically targeting the underlying cause of itch. With the extensive data showing that IL-31 is a key driver of itch, I’m excited to explore whether nemolizumab’s inhibition of IL-31 signaling might effectively reduce the intractable itch experienced by patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin,” Kwatra said.

1. Galderma initiates two new clinical trials investigating nemolizumab in patients with systemic sclerosis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin. News release. Galderma. June 25, 2025. Accessed June 26, 2025. 

https://www.galderma.com/news/galderma-initiates-two-new-clinical-trials

2. Galderma receives US FDA approval for Nemluvio (nemolizumab) for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. News release. Galderma. December 14, 2024. Accessed June 26, 2025. 

https://www.galderma.com/news/galderma-receives-us-fda-approval-nemluvior-nemolizumab-patients-moderate-severe-atopic

Galderma has initiated two new clinical trials to evaluate nemolizumab for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin (CPUO), both conditions with high unmet needs. Nemolizumab, an interleukin-31 receptor inhibitor, targets itch, inflammation, and fibrosis. The trials are phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies focusing on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. SSc affects mainly women aged 30-50, while CPUO primarily impacts the elderly. Both conditions lack FDA-approved treatments, and these trials aim to explore nemolizumab's potential therapeutic role.

Galderma launches clinical trials for nemolizumab, targeting systemic sclerosis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin, addressing critical patient needs.

Galderma Announces Clinical Trials Evaluating Nemolizumab for SSc and CPUO

“If tofacitinib as a generic is easily accessible as something we can just write and people get it without a prior authorization, it's hard to describe how much that could revolutionize dermatology. It might actually be the end of prednisone,” said Matthew Zirwas, MD, in an interview with 

Zirwas, a board-certified dermatologist at Bexley Dermatology in Columbus, Ohio, discussed what other areas of dermatology outside of atopic dermatitis he is looking forward to more research in at the 

2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference

 in Nashville, Tennessee. Zirwas highlighted 2 significant areas set to impact dermatology care: povorcitinib as an emerging JAK inhibitor for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and the upcoming generic availability of tofacitinib.

, Zirwas also discussed the key takeaways he shared during his session on differentiating between IL-13 and IL-31 inhibition in AD.

Zirwas highlighted 2 significant areas set to impact dermatology care: povorcitinib as an emerging JAK inhibitor for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and the impending generic availability of tofacitinib. 

Looking Ahead to Povorcitininb for HS and the Availability of Generic Tofacitinib           

Zirwas noted that HS is one of the largest areas in dermatology that he expects to see major changes in, particularly with oral JAK inhibitors that are wrapping up clinical trials. He is currently involved in the studies of povorcitinib—a selective JAK1 inhibitor—and described the drug as “the most effective thing I’ve ever seen for hidradenitis.” Although his observations are anecdotal, the available clinical data suggest that povorcitinib may represent a promising new approach for patients with HS, particularly given the current lack of systemic options.

Equally compelling to Zirwas is the upcoming generic status of tofacitinib, expected within the next year. Zirwas argued that if access barriers are minimized, specifically eliminating the need for prior authorizations, tofacitinib could displace prednisone as a go-to oral immunomodulator. For acute conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis (eg, poison ivy), tofacitinib could offer similar efficacy with a more favorable safety profile, avoiding prednisone-associated risks such as hyperglycemia, psychosis, bone loss, and immunosuppression.

Importantly, Zirwas believes tofacitinib could offer off-label utility in a broad range of inflammatory dermatoses without FDA-approved systemic therapies. He listed conditions including lichen planus, lichen planopilaris, granuloma annulare, pyoderma gangrenosum, cutaneous lupus, and cutaneous dermatomyositis. For these, a generic oral JAK inhibitor could finally offer accessible, effective systemic treatment.

According to Zirwas, the lingering concern is the cardiovascular risk associated with JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib.

 However, Zirwas suggested that the MACE and VTE risk profile of tofacitinib may be disease-specific, primarily linked to TNF- and IL-17-driven conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. As the dermatology community gains a deeper understanding, clinicians may grow more comfortable using tofacitinib in non-TNF/IL-17–driven dermatoses.

Overall, Zirwas anticipates a future where clinicians have both disease-specific innovation in HS and broad immunomodulatory access via generic tofacitinib, potentially redefining treatment algorithms across multiple inflammatory skin diseases.

Chovatiya R, Bunick C, Zirwas M. Medical crossfire: IL-31 and IL-13. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN

Safety trial finds risk of blood clots in the lungs and death with higher dose of tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR) in rheumatoid arthritis patients; FDA to investigate. US Food and Drug Administration. February 19, 2019. Accessed June 13, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/initial-safety-trial-results-find-increased-risk-serious-heart-related-problems-and-cancer-arthritis

Matthew Zirwas, MD, highlights the potential impact of povorcitinib and generic tofacitinib on dermatology. Povorcitinib, a JAK1 inhibitor, shows promise for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), potentially transforming treatment options. The anticipated generic availability of tofacitinib could revolutionize dermatology by replacing prednisone for conditions like allergic contact dermatitis, offering a safer profile. Tofacitinib's off-label use could extend to various inflammatory dermatoses lacking systemic therapies. Despite cardiovascular risks, Zirwas envisions broader immunomodulatory access and disease-specific innovations reshaping treatment paradigms.

At RAD 2025, Matthew Zirwas, MD, outlined 2 upcoming shifts in dermatology: the emergence of povorcitinib for hidradenitis suppurativa and the anticipated generic availability of tofacitinib. 

Looking Ahead to Povorcitininb for HS and the Availability of Generic Tofacitinib

“We had a great session with a wonderful patient advocate who was gracious enough to share her story with us of living with atopic dermatitis most of her life. From her story and from everything she shared, we're able to see how this disease is a multi-dimensional, multi-factorial, heterogeneous disease that can take on different forms depending on what stage a patient is in life. It was a reminder for us to really listen to our patients,” said Maureen Offiah, MD, in an interview with 

Offiah, a board-certified dermatologist at Hattiesburg Clinic in Mississippi, attended the 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, and shared key highlights on atopic dermatitis (AD) that she will take back to her practice and patients.

Maureen Offiah, MD, reflected on the key takeaways as an attendee at the 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

A Clinician’s Perspective of RAD 2025: Part 1

Early sessions at RAD focused on the psychosocial impacts of AD, detailing how chronic itch, often compared to a pain syndrome, can significantly impair patient quality of life. Mental health effects, such as anxiety, depression, and family-wide impact, were discussed in detail. Offiah noted that discussions focused on the need to individualize treatment by addressing not just skin clearance but also the burden of symptoms such as itch and sleep disturbance.

A particularly impactful segment to Offiah included a patient advocate’s testimony, which provided clinicians with insight into the lived experience of AD. The overall message was that clinicians should actively listen to patients and resist the tendency to standardize care across presentations. Offiah emphasized that seemingly minor body surface area involvement can hide the true severity of the disease, particularly when symptoms disproportionately affect quality of life.

The sessions also introduced emerging considerations such as alopecia in AD. Offiah highlighted a discussion on scalp pruritus and burning, which expanded the diagnostic framework to include AD-associated alopecia alongside more commonly considered conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The session emphasized the importance of maintaining a broad differential when evaluating hair loss or scalp symptoms in patients with AD.

Treatment-focused panels provided an in-depth comparison of the currently FDA-approved systemic and topical therapies, including biologics and JAK inhibitors. Offiah expressed her appreciation for the way these therapies were analyzed in detail, particularly around the mechanisms of action, patient selection, and long-term safety. As Offiah noted, the abundance of therapeutic options now available, although effective, also requires careful consideration. The RAD sessions helped clarify optimal strategies for aligning specific agents with individual patient needs.

Shahriari M. The psychosocial burden of AD. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN.

Mayo T. Complex cases: AD & hair loss. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN.

The 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference highlighted the multifaceted nature of atopic dermatitis (AD), emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment approaches. Sessions addressed the psychosocial impacts of AD, including mental health effects and the need to consider symptoms like itch and sleep disturbance. Emerging topics such as AD-associated alopecia were discussed, expanding diagnostic frameworks. Treatment panels compared systemic and topical therapies, focusing on mechanisms, patient selection, and safety. The conference underscored the necessity of listening to patients and tailoring care to their unique experiences and needs.

Janelle Ball

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